Elvis Costello
Costello & Nieve

Elvis Costello fans will want to seek out Costello & Nieve, a special, limited edition, five-disc box set recorded between May 14 and May 22 of last year. Costello and Attractions' keyboardist Steve Nieve set out on a five-city tour that coincided with the release of Costello's latest studio effort, All This Useless Beauty.  Each disc in this collection includes selections from a different concert from the tour, and the total package contains about two hours of live material.

There isn't a weak point on Costello & Nieve, as each song is performed with grace and style. It's hard to believe this is the same person who switched tunes mid-song in his first appearance on Saturday Night Live. The San Francisco show even includes a wonderful cover of The Grateful Dead's Ship of Fools, which Costello had recorded for the Deadicated album.  Boasting terrific sound, perfect performances, and excellent song selections, Costello & Nieve is a must-have for all of Costello's fans. 

1 Star:   Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!